The aluminum antenna forest that once sprouted from nearly every suburban rooftop has nearly disappeared, a casualty of the digital revolution. While this is a welcome development, modern communications and media still often require over-the-air transmission and reception. Strong signals and reliable coverage are always important, but so is the impact these units can have on everyday living.
An antenna is an assemblage of poles, wires, metallic extensions or dishes that can receive or transmit electromagnetic information. Commercial antennas are primarily involved in a money-making service, and that includes television, radio, and cell phone installations. Those associated only with non-profit, residential use, including home satellite dishes or amateur radio equipment, are not in the same category.
When a business is faced with the need for new transmission equipment, there are a host of considerations and requirements. The consuming public wants solid, hardworking devices that have reliable reception and transmission, but generally does not want to view the inevitable broadcast towers necessary for good service. Because of that desire, many towns have initiated new rules regulating antenna size, visibility, and location.
An installation bristling with metallic spikes might appeal to a technocrat, but not to most people living beside it. Operators of most systems have been forced by this understandable public attitude to be creative with new antenna placement and design, and try to make them as unobtrusive as possible. Creative design solutions begin with the idea that new facilities should be nearly invisible.
One of the most cost-effective is termed co-location, an increasingly common practice. This process places the new array on an already existing tower, which eliminates the need for additional construction. Successful completion of this kind of project involves close cooperation between all the companies using the tower. New operations must never interfere with present users, and must also conform to aesthetic standards.
When co-location is not an option, and a new tower must be built, local regulations are the key to success. Although the laws vary, many cities have approved strict new rules regarding the appearance of these towers. For example, many residential neighborhoods forbid placing a new antenna in a side or front yard simply because it looks bad. New installations cannot interfere with vehicle flow, or eliminate parking capacity.
In addition, the color scheme has to blend properly with existing designs. A new antenna must not block the view from adjacent homes. Some regions stipulate that all connective wiring be run beneath ground, and covered by vegetation or landscaping when above ground. Ordinances regarding height must be followed. Although these requirements may seem restrictive, the positive outcome is a new generation of towers that most people happily never notice.
Today, some are disguised as trees. In Los Angeles, they may look like palms. In New York state, some have realistic artificial deciduous branches that fool the eye. Others are specifically created to match a particular natural background, and many blend in perfectly. Although it can be more expensive, designing antennas that disappear into the background has proven very popular both with consumers and the companies serving them.
An antenna is an assemblage of poles, wires, metallic extensions or dishes that can receive or transmit electromagnetic information. Commercial antennas are primarily involved in a money-making service, and that includes television, radio, and cell phone installations. Those associated only with non-profit, residential use, including home satellite dishes or amateur radio equipment, are not in the same category.
When a business is faced with the need for new transmission equipment, there are a host of considerations and requirements. The consuming public wants solid, hardworking devices that have reliable reception and transmission, but generally does not want to view the inevitable broadcast towers necessary for good service. Because of that desire, many towns have initiated new rules regulating antenna size, visibility, and location.
An installation bristling with metallic spikes might appeal to a technocrat, but not to most people living beside it. Operators of most systems have been forced by this understandable public attitude to be creative with new antenna placement and design, and try to make them as unobtrusive as possible. Creative design solutions begin with the idea that new facilities should be nearly invisible.
One of the most cost-effective is termed co-location, an increasingly common practice. This process places the new array on an already existing tower, which eliminates the need for additional construction. Successful completion of this kind of project involves close cooperation between all the companies using the tower. New operations must never interfere with present users, and must also conform to aesthetic standards.
When co-location is not an option, and a new tower must be built, local regulations are the key to success. Although the laws vary, many cities have approved strict new rules regarding the appearance of these towers. For example, many residential neighborhoods forbid placing a new antenna in a side or front yard simply because it looks bad. New installations cannot interfere with vehicle flow, or eliminate parking capacity.
In addition, the color scheme has to blend properly with existing designs. A new antenna must not block the view from adjacent homes. Some regions stipulate that all connective wiring be run beneath ground, and covered by vegetation or landscaping when above ground. Ordinances regarding height must be followed. Although these requirements may seem restrictive, the positive outcome is a new generation of towers that most people happily never notice.
Today, some are disguised as trees. In Los Angeles, they may look like palms. In New York state, some have realistic artificial deciduous branches that fool the eye. Others are specifically created to match a particular natural background, and many blend in perfectly. Although it can be more expensive, designing antennas that disappear into the background has proven very popular both with consumers and the companies serving them.
About the Author:
You can get complete details about different types of commercial antennas and view our selection of antennas at http://www.hascall-denke.com right now.
